January Giveaway: Paperwallet Review and Giveaway!

I am very excited to announcement my first ever giveaway! I was recently asked to review a company called Paperwallets, and yes, they make wallets out of paper. After I agreed to take a look at their company they mailed me two wallets, one for me to keep, try out, and review, and one to giveaway to one of my lucky readers! If you would like to enter into the drawing for this art inspired wallet all you have to do is comment below! I will randomly select the winner from the pool of commenters (using the plugin “And the Winner Is”) this Saturday, and will announce the winner the same day. I will keep my fingers crossed for each one of you!

ABOUT PAPERWALLETS…

About Paperwallets by Paperwallets: “Exposing artists all over again in new incredible ways is exactly what Paperwallet is all about, we keeps things fresh by collaborating with emerging and established artists from all around the world.”

“We are working with big name and new name artists, Paperwallet will give anybody a chance. Paperwallet crowd-sources designs from artists who submit their work to Paperwallet’s Facebook page. Designs are carefully selected by the art team and the votes on social media sites to be part of the next Limited Edition Artist Series. Paperwalletis the new ‘artist tee’ and the new way for artists to get their names and their work out there.”

“This month Paperwallet released the brand new Art SERIES FOUR and Card Holder SERIES ONE just in time for the holidays. Already being picked up galleries, boutiques and high-end street fashion shops, you can findPaperwallet at an elite list of stores in Paris, Tokyo, LA and New York.”

About Paperwallets by Me: I love the concept of taking a work of art and transforming it into a product people can use. As an artist I am all about finding new ways to support the arts, and I think Paperwallets is a great company to look into. When I was first approached about writing a review I was slightly skeptical, always weary of crossing paths with yet another spammer. However, as soon as I looked at their website I knew they were legit. I spent a good chunk of time exploring their site, reading about their featured artists, and I became even more impressed when I realized they accept submissions for future wallet designs. Just the possibility of having my work of art on such an accessible product gets my creative juices flowing.

I excitedly accepted the offer to write about the company, and immanently awaited the arrival of my new wallet. One afternoon Nick walked in the door with the typical pile of junk and bills, but resting on top was a package, with my name on it. I ripped it open and found two boxes. I loved the design of both wallets. I continuously flipped them in my hands, paying attention to every detail.

PRO #1: The designs are so cool! They are created by artists and they look like it. They have a variety of styles, patterns, and colors. I think everyone, frat guy to hipster to white collared worker can find a design that fits their taste. The fact that they accept submissions for new designs means they are continuously expanding their design collection. I will be going back to check out new designs. In the near future they will also be releasing clutches, which I can’t wait to see.

After finally having my new wallet in my hands, I couldn’t wait to test it out. My current wallet was quickly emptied, the contents were spread out, and I assessed the situation.

CON #1: There isn’t a ton of space in a Paperwallet. The wallet has your typical opening to hold money, plus two card holders, one on each side, and a space behind the card holder where additional cards can be placed. This isn’t much compared to my former clutch style Hobo wallet. I attempted to place a couple of credit cards behind the card pockets, but quickly discovered it was a great way to loose a credit card. A lot of time when I pulled out my wallet, the cards would slip out, one very honest gentleman pointed them out on the ground the first time it happened. After this I decided to double up the cards in the card pockets, which fits nice and snug, but limits the number of cards I carry.

For two weeks I have used and abused this wallet. The first week I carried it in my purse, but was disappointed with the small amount of damage that showed from this. I decided in order to convince my readers I actually used it, it needed to show some type of wear and tear, and I decided to keep it in my back pocket for a week. My wallet wore through hours of sitting, a rainstorm, and bleeding dye from my very wet, new blue jeans.

PRO #2: Because it is made of a paper like material it is a very slim wallet. I am a girl, I don’t want a bulky wallet sticking out of my back pocket, making my rear end look lopsided. But when I stuck this wallet back there I almost immediately forgot about it. For a week I sat on this wallet everyday during work, on my commute home, and everywhere in between. I was impressed how little I noticed it.

CON #2: It is made of paper like material, tyvek. While it’s not actually paper, it is made from tiny plastic fibers spun together, this is not a wallet that will last forever. At the rate I abused my wallet I would expect it to last 6 months or so. If I kept it safely tucked in my purse, I could maybe get a year-year and a half out of it.

PRO #3: It is tough for a wallet that is so thin and seemingly made from paper. Because it is made from tyvek, the plastic fibers allow it to be more felxible, almost like a thicker dollar bill. It is difficult to tear, I tried it, and it stretched without ripping. I think it would take a long time and a good bit of abuse to rip it, however I think holes in the corners are inevitable.

CON #4: It’s $20 for a wallet that won’t last longer than a year or so… something my husband pointed out a few times.

PRO #4: It’s only $20. These days it’s difficult to find a cheap wallet, and for a mere $20 you can get a very unique art inspired wallet.

PRO #5: It’s green and you are supporting the arts. It’s made from recycled materials, you can recycle it when you are ready to replace it, and you are helping a starving artist continue with their quest to fulfill their creative desires. It doesn’t get much better than that. As a side note the company will give you 15% off if you send in your old, worn out wallet for a new one!

MY WALLET… BEFORE & AFTER

Overall I am impressed with their product and very interested in the clutches they have in the works. I would be willing to shell out $20 to get another Paperwallet, and I will definitely keep up with their new designs on their site. I wouldn’t mind switching my wallet out every year if it means having a new mini work of art I can carry around on a daily basis. Here is a link to their site if you are interesting in perusing their designs or submitting your own design! Click here to peruse.

THE GIVEAWAY

Here are images of the amazing wallet I get to giveaway to one lucky reader! No charge, no shipping, completely and totally free! All you have to do it comment on this post and you are entered to win. The winner will be announced this Saturday!

As always thanks for visiting my blog! I hope you enjoyed today’s post and your possible future, free wallet. Help me spread the word by sharing with others, commenting, liking, tweeting, digging, subscribing, whatever you have the urge to do. Thanks for stopping by!